Grape Sphinx Moth

ultratrain (62)in Fascinating Insects • 2 years ago

I spotted this beauty clinging to a wall yesterday afternoon on my walk. This Grape Sphinx Moth Eumorpha achemon is typical of the family. Large body with powerful wings (mostly nocturnal) that are more often than not noticed in their larval stage as the huge green/brown caterpillars with a pronounced "horn" on the rear-end of their body devouring their plants.

The caterpillars feed on grapes and other vining plants so maybe this one had grown up on the large vining plants (Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper) climbing up the walls.

If he had spread his wings you would see the bright pink patches on the hind wings but alas this one was shy and didn't want to show off.

He was content to rest quietly on the wall where I put him. Probably waiting for the cooler evening skies before flying off the seek a meal on the many flowering vines and bushes in the area.